The Expert's Panel

Topic Discuss techniques for market research.

The Experts Respond

Observe, listen and interview are the basics for market research. If you are asking about primary market research, you have to interview people, ask the right questions, and shut up and listen. Good environments are trade shows, symposiums. You can buy data from people.
Most IDMs and OEMs lawyers have told them not to give out information on the telephone. This is also beneficial for you because you need to see body language and other non-verbal communications. The comfort level of the person sitting across from you is as important as what he or she says.
Well run focus groups can be a source of a lot of customer data, both market research and opinion information. The participants do not know who is sponsoring the session until it is over and they are likely to say what is on their mind.